Recently

An epically long time since I updated this. 

So, as I mentioned last time I have been on my gym mission which has slightly lacked since February but I'm back on the wagon now. I lost a fabulous 1.5st so I'm feeling healthier and much more fitter. 

Saying that I'm trying to get into shape for summer as I'm heading off to turkey for a week with my ladies so that'll be amazing in itself! 

I'm moving back to Newcastle in two months to live with my awesome friends cannot wait! So on the scout for house hold things and new things for a new start :) I love that thought of starting over gives yourself and the world s chance to show what a better person you can be. 

Speaking of starting over I've recently allowed a few people back into my life who I once blocked out my life due to different situations and upset. It's been hard but things are getting better. Trying to build up trust again is such a huge thing. 

As many say YOLO... "You only live once"

So make the most of it :) 

X 

Beauty update

Hi beauties,

Purchased some new buys recently, thought I'd take advantage of boots 3 for 2 offer on skincare ranges at the moment I bought +Simple Radiance cream with mango extracts and +Simple eye make up remover pads and facial wipes. I won't divulge my views on the face wipes as we know they are a godsend as it is to us girls.

So the radiance cream is an absolute beaut of a buy its like an illuminator for your skin and brightens your face up. I like to use this when it's spring going into summer. It's an excellent way to get your face ready for the summer months as catching those rays! I haven't used it for ages until recently so it's a good thing to have back in the cosmetic bag!

Now the make up remover pads, normally I use a face wipe to remove make up after a long day at work or after night out. Waking up the next day with panda eyes still always happens. So I'm hoping these make up remover pads work a treat and do the job well. As I have sensitive skin around the eye area I have always used +Simple as there products don't irritate
my skin or leave it feeling dry.

I have about four different mascara's I'm using at the moment and I recently purchased +Rimmel London's new lash excelerater, it's to get your eye lashes to bit more curvier and more of a lift and so you can flutter your lashes with style. I've been using it for the last couple of days and it's really nice for day make up when keeping it simple and not too heavy on the eyes.

Bye for now xx

A week in..

As I said last time I posted I would be posting a lot about my four week plan. Afraid I've been caught up at work and haven't been able to post as much as I would have loved to!

I've been doing pretty well with eating and my shakes, going to fitness classes when I'm able to fit in them in around work. I took a photo today to see how I've progressed in a week and I feel so much slimmer then I did before! I've toned up around my stomach and legs. This has made me quite happy and I know that If I keep going il get much more tone and will be happy with the end results! Three more weeks! Lets do this!!!

Now time for some cosmetic news I go a new foundation yesterday +No 7 Stay perfect foundation vanilla cool, it matches perfect with my skin tone. I wore it all day yesterday and it was fabulous all day. Defiantly worth a buy!

So this week I've got catch up with friends, nights out more work outs an off work for a blissful 3 days...

Enjoy the pictures! Il post another up next week :)

Xxxx

4 week diet plan.

As I've said recently I'm starting a new diet with Herbalife it's drop a dress size program which lasts over four weeks. The jist of the diet is formula 1 shakes with are soy protein based and I have chocolate and vanilla flavours. Green tea and protein bars.

The four week plan is spread out and your meals are set but you can chop and change them as long as it doesn't break routine.

So today I have had...

Breakfast: Formula 1 shake

Mid morning snack: blueberries and natural yogurt.

Lunch: Formula 1 Shake

Afternoon snack: a fist full of cashew nuts and a green tea with the best chum Mcshane.

Dinner: 1 sirloin steak and steamed brocolli and a glass of water.

Evening snack: strawberries and blueberries

I feel slimmer as it is due to working out a lot more then I'm used to, I'm so full after only beginning today already! Im feeling really good and looking forward to continuing the program. I may struggle in the first few days but by remaining strong I will do this! If Josie Gibson can get from a size 20 to a size 8 I must be able to lose some weight too!

I went to body pump class last week.. My god weight lifting was a challenge in itself but I managed to complete a whole class! Mind you my whole body was so sore still after a few days I've been swimming and at Zumba too so slowly loosening up again. Body pump is a excellent workout for a all over workout which uses all your muscles in your body and muscles you probably didn't even know existed, it's a workout I wished I knew of years ago...

I'll be writing up regularly about my program and other bits and bobs too :)

Ciao for now folks

Xxxx

Just do it.

That phrase "just do it" is a phrase I've said to me time and time again by many people when I'm indecisive about things and in the end it's just a "just do it". Also known as a YOLO! Moment I'm sure many of you have had these moments...

Well it's time to get happy time lots of things coming up soon with friends, travel friends and myself. Really enjoying this healthy fitness kick I've got going on and I really can feel the difference did body pump at the weekend... I'm still cabin from sore muscles hhaha weak but I will get stronger and better over time :)

Time is a valuable thing but also a ridiculously long period of your life. I spend many hours of my time thinking about tomorrow and the future. I always think things will be like this and things won't be like that.

I've had the best times of my life from school through to university and travelling. I wouldn't change for the world anything I've done. It's just made me a better, stronger and happier person from the mistakes I've made to the things I'm doing now.

Next item on the agenda booking a holiday to South Africa for a month...now that's time I can't wait for to see ma boy Luke and friends. When I say ma boy he ain't my boyfriend. Just my boy. A best friend.


Xxx

My new buys.. Beauty and fashion

I recently purchased some new skin and hair products so I thought I'd share my thoughts on them :)

Firstly Aussie Leave in conditioner is a new favourite of mine it's amazing for long. Frizzy hair like mine it detangles it so well and leaves my hair feeling silky smooth afterwards, much easier just leaving it in rather then washing it out when you don't want to or have time. I highly reccomend that to take away on trips or post workouts.

I read recently that a few celebrity's swear by the 'Simple' skin care range especially their facial scrubs. I also have to agree their skincare range is very good and suitable for all skin types especially towards those whose skin is super sensitive to other brands. I have a oil balancing scrub containing witch haz and it works wonders for my skin.

As you may have seen the other day I bought a new bag from accesorize, I also bought another bag which has a resemblance of a Zara bag but is infect from primark.. £12 for this beauty which I will be using all the time! It has heaps of space and pockets for little things such as a lipgloss to carry around daily to top i your lips up with I've been using smiths balm for years after finding it in Sephora in New York. It's a gorgeous rosé scented lip gloss that really moisturises the lips and keeps them in tact for a couple of hours. I think you can get it from urban outfitters as well :)

Starting a herbalife detox weight loss program next week.... Exciting toes! Il blog about that soon.

Lots of love xxx

Live the life you love, love the life you live

A few home truths hit me recently only in my head. Finally its all making sense how I've been feeling, I now know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Not many people know as I've chosen not to tell many people but il say a little about it on here. I say it's a problem but I know it's not at all. I have low self esteem, low mood depression and its not as severe as some of those who suffer. I've felt this for the past 2 years and only within the past year I've learnt to accept it.

Over the last four years I had someone in my life who made me happy,sad,angry,laugh, hate myself and just use me. When all I did was love them.
Last year was probably the final straw for us both. I tried to hard to change this person and wanted them to love me. That was all I ever wanted. Sadly it wasn't to be. I got told a few home truths about myself which I half blame my naivety and stupid infatuation over some arsehole.

In April I pretty much had it summed up to me how fat I am and "disgusting creature" This pretty much shook me to the core. I was left to feel empty. Destroyed and broken. I went down the route of emotional destruction in my head. I've never felt so hurt and lonely in all my life... But later that night thankfully a friend of mine who I haven't seen in a long time was on a Facebook doing dissertation work, I shared a status about not being able to sleep.

She replied with helpful advice and I then messages her explaining my situation and her reply made me feel a million times better then I felt about that person and I learnt what a horrible person they really are to me and other people. So I thank that girl for helping me begin my road to mending myself. You know who you are :) xx

Well a year on I'm still having good and bad days but I'm putting on my brave face and doing what I can to be happy an not allow anyone to ever make me feel the way I did again. And I cant begin to explain how happy I am this person isn't in my life anymore.

I know some of you reading this may think that's quite pathetic and ridiculous but have you ever loved someone so much you'd do anything for them? That pain your get in your chest when your turned away and unwanted? That's love. Unconditional love. The one most people suffer with.

Its not just broken hearts that cause depression and low self esteem. Sadly I lost my grandpa 2 years ago this summer when I was away travelling I've never forgiven myself for not saying goodbye to him properly. He someone I could tell anything to and he would always help me with anything I had going on in my life. He told me to live my dreams and follow my heart. I've never fully recovered from his death. I pushed away friends who I have know all my life and since school days but just didn't feel I connected with them anymore due to how I was feeling. I honestly miss you all so much and would give anything to change how things were.

At the start of this year I was feeling all this year is a new year, a new me... But suddenly I dipped back into feeling isolated, alone and just miserable. After a weekend reunited (7months on) with my gorgeous friends from university who are my friends for life. It made me feel so nostalgic and emotional about everything.

It then gave me the kick up the arse to think about me and who I am and what I want in this life. So having stated I am moving to oz next year (touch wood) I'm on a mission to ensure I'm happy for once and for all, and hopefully not feeling way I have and still do at times. I have good days and bad days but I just smile and carry on :)

Starting a new detox diet next week in drop a dress size program which lasts a month and it's all shakes and has nutritional plans to help me along. Really excited to start this and carry on with my workouts. I know this will make me feel good with a healthy mind and body. So il let you know how that goes :)

Got so many thing to look forward to over the next few months. Reunited with old friends, travel friends, nights out weekends away and potentially seeing beyonce.... OOOSH! This new bag makes me excited for this events as I know it will get used well...and a new tattoo idea see the quote.


Bye for now xxx

Lemsip O'clock

Hey beauts,

I've been fighting off this minging cold the last couple of days I feel horrific :( my best friends at the moment are currently lemsip, nasal spray, vaseline and tiger balm. Which is the Chinese version of vapour rub and my god it works wonders! Applied some to my cheeks and across my forehead literally was streaming tears that's how strong it is. I highly recommend it if anyone has a awful cold, I must stress to all wash your hands afterwards. The consequences are not nice.....

As I've been under the weather this week I haven't really been made much of an effort with make up so been donning the au natural look with primer and bb cream as a cover up.
I've even battled on to attend my Zumba and fitness classes which have been so good! Can really feel the difference in my fitness and hope soon il see some changes in my figure.

To get that in motion il be cutting back on the foods I enjoy best cake, cake, chocolate, cake, cake and just junk in general. It's lent next Wednesday so that my aim to really get this weight shifted. Perhaps I should try this juicing diet people go on about heaps. Il let you know how that goes...

I named this post dollar dollar in reference the the amount of money I've just spent in recent weeks... Bills.. Debts... Shopping.. And now it's time to start saving for Australia where I hope to be this time next year starting a new life down under. Simply can't wait. Just a new everything.

I'm so happy it's February now I defiantly had a case of the January blues last month. But now I have so many things to look forward to reunions with friends from travelling, nights-out with friends from uni and hopefully passing college this year and jetting off into the sunshinnneeeee.

Anyways for now il leave you with the image of me rummaging around my rom with tiger balm in my eyes blind as a bat.

Til next time :)

Xxx

"Have you got kids?"...

Hello, you beautiful people!

Firstly, may I begin with that I am not children crazy or broody. That line "have you got kids?" Was a recent failure whilst I was out "pardy-ing" with my girls. I was standing outside with my friend who was having a ciggerate. From out of no where this chap comes along and starts chatting on to me and my friend. It was going well until for some reason I asked him a question. This question is normally what gets asked when at a doctors appointment or by an older man (perhaps?) I asked "have you got kids?" 😦😲

As you can imagine this fellow walked off after clarifying we both didn't have kids. I can honestly say I've never been so mortified in my life. Back into hibernating from the world of dating I think... All my friends who I've recently told or they've heard before I've mentioned it have been in hysterics and of course it could only happen to me.

Well, I set myself a task of getting a new primer today and I have found "Rimmel Fix and Protect" primer. It's absolutely brilliant you can either wear it as a under cover for your foundation or one it's own. It's really smooth an gives a radiant flow which is what is girls try to achieve with our daily make up routine.

My new concealer from Rimmel as well the wake me up foundation concealer. I haven't got round to using it yet but I'm sure it does the trick! I also bought Rimmel Apocalips lipgloss after trying it on before it's really glossy and will stay on for as long you want it on. Excellent buy defiantly a must have for your make up bag and night out lippy!

I spent a fortune in Topshop and Urban Outfitters yesterday. Ha, as in a fan of comfy I have a cosy new green jumper and a massive denim shirt which is what I've been after for ages! All of these I feel will be worn a lot.

As I said the other day I plan to move to Australia in 2014.. Today one of my best friends from uni has taken the plunge and flown over with her boyfriend to Perth. I wish her all the luck in the world. I'll be joining you next year love!

Feeling rather full of cold today so lots of cups of tea have been drunk and a body pump class tonight to attend...

Ciao for now

Xxx

Restoring normality... Kind of

Hi all,

Few weeks have passed since my gracious fall at Zumba and I'm back to normal and in classes :) loving it! Having decided I'm moving to Australia next in March 2014, I'm going to up my classes and exercises to really shift this weight and get the body I've always wanted :) (that gym photo is just a showing of what work needs to be done... )

I had a wee shopping spree yesterday and spent my eBay fortunes in Topshop on new dresses and a few basic tops. Sadly one of the dresses (see picture) didn't fit me due to a low empire line which doesn't sit right with me as I have a high waist so that's sadly going back ;( going back tomorrow so il swap it for half of the shop I imagine.

Now for beauty things, I've been trying out new hair products Ive just started to use "Aussie" leave in conditioner which works a treat with my massive head of hair. It's really manageable and detangles my hair which is a bonus for hair like a lions mane.

Really want a new prima as my old ones ran out and is from Australia so will have no look finding that here... Any recommendations would be a bonus!

Back to college tomorrow... Looking forward to going back in a weird geeky way.

That's all for now. Best start thinking about Australia and diets... Blah blah blah.

Pass me the wine. Cheers ;)

Xxx

Memory box

Hi guys,

Well, today I've been having an on going clear out of my wardrobe and general 'stuff' in my room I no longer need use of us or to be want anymore in my life. I think it's so therapeutic to have a clear out now and then because it's such a good way of releasing stress from your life and in perhaps some people's case letting go of the past and moving forward.

Whilst clearing out I found this box full of items that I have collected over the last 4 and a half years of university and travelling. Accompanied by various bits and bobs I thought I would need again. (Club tickets and coupons out of date... Yeah.. Maybe not)
I found pictures of friends and loved ones. Tickets for plans journeys to Australia and America, all my old visa documents, gig tickets and of course the standard first date crappy things. I also found a gorgeous Elizabeth Arden lipstick which I don't know how I found or got this bit has been welcomed back into my life with open arms! I absolutely adore the Elizabeth Arden range so I'm going to have to re-discover it and report back :)

Now recently I've become best friends with a website who most of the world use eBay. I've been selling old Fat Face clothes I no longer wear after working there for 4 years, I've made about £130 within two weeks from gilets through to summer dresses. I think this is such a good way of clearing your stuff out, I didn't think I'd be successful in selling any of it.

From previous experience of working in fashion retail I have used hints and tips of making products look sellable and desired towards potential buyers.

•Making sure your item your selling is up to date and in good condition.

•Take as many pictures as possible so the buyer gets a real good look at it.

•Describe your item as you'd hope it to e described by anyone else and how long you've had it.

•Pricing the item is really hard as you don't know if your pricing to high or to low. I have changed prices so many times of what I'd like my bids to begin at and it usually works and gets the bidders going!

• When parcelling up my items I've been spraying most items with perfume and giving then a quick iron so my item is presentable and smells good.

I actually can't believe how much fashionable clothes on eBay finding so much interesting stuff. What I think it's most important is to think about what your selling and is it worth selling... I've out things that aren't worth selling at all in charity shops or just chucked them.

Anyways that's my eBay advice to anyone who's thinking of selling anything. I didn't seek advice when I began I just used my initiative and thought I'd pass it on.

Til next time folks

Xxx

Snow Day.

Another snowy day again in the beautiful Northumberland, I don't know about you but I'm freezing, tired and I don't feel glamorous one little bit so instead of feeling down with the January blues it's time to get glam! Not that I'm a massive girlie girl, to be honest I'm always first ready for a night out. I like to keep my look boho, chic and simple and try to be as glamorous as possible.

One of my most favourite new items of cosmetics (life saver) is eye roll on from Garnier which contains caffeine extracts to soothe those dark rings and tired eyes literally has transformed me from looking tired all the time to fresh as a daisy. I highly recommend it for the day after the night before...

Speaking of which I like to use Rimmels BB cream after a night out or first thing in the morning to hit the gym. It's a fantastic lighter form of foundation which blends in so well with my skin! I usually put about the size of a 10p piece on and use that for the coverage of my T-zone in particular. It's so light and not cloggy at all on your skin at all which a bonus for fighting those outbreaks of spots. I like to add a bit of bronzer on my cheeks, so it gives me a sun kissed look. I've just started using 'Accesorize' bronzer which was a christmas present and it actually does just as good as other bronzer I've used previously.

Now my hair today needed a quick refresh and look like it's clean for doing some quick errands out and about. I use 'Bastiste' dry shampoo which lets face it is woman's best friend when you have no time to do your hair in the morning when your running late (like I was today) usually I spray it all over my hair let it settle and then brush it through and it looks good as new! I sometimes though however decide maybe a hat day is best instead of faffing, but it only takes a couple of minutes to look your best 💃

Now today, I've been out and about getting basics for the family and I decide to treat myself to magazines and a piece of bakewell tart (says she who is on a health kick...) accompanied by a hot chocolate with cream on top. Absolutely amazing. I can't begin to describe how much this has cheered me up on a winters day like today. Yummy!

Now I really need to get back to Zumba after my comical fall last week I am feeling the bulge return.. I'd like to run but it's too snowy and icy which I will probably fall over in but I bloody love Zumba! It's so energetic and fun you didn't even realise your working out doing 45 minutes of Zumba none stop you are working off at least 200 +calories which is amazing! When I get my bearings with Zumba and these other fitness classes I think I may step it up a few notches and start doing body pump which involves lots of weights and toning. This means laying off the cakes and other amounts of food I consume weekly... Speaking of cakes the Great British Bake Off started again last night for comic relief really looking forward to watching the rest of the heats! Right I should probably go catch up with Miranda (who I have been compared to...rude) such fun!..

So long for now :)

Xx

Suddenly I see...

Just a few pictures of myself and friends. Also things I enjoy and topical snow pictures.

First Blog.

This is my first blog so I don't really know what everyone should expect from me. But here it goes!

I wanted to create a blog about myself but that would be a bit  big headed of me so lets say its about things I enjoy and perhaps you the reader may enjoy too or reading about my on-going hilarious spinster life I seem to be living and becoming a real life 'Bridget Jones'....

Well, recently I've started a new job in the new year which is going fabulous at the moment. My future ambition is to become a nurse working and living in Australia. But right now getting there is going to take alot of time and hard work. I have to study at college and university again in order to suceed in this area. At the age of 23 I've only just decided what I have wanted to do as at 18 I embarked on going to Northumbria University to study Drama dreaming of becoming a drama teacher or a freelance actor. That changed by second year of my studies after a summer spent in America at a special needs camp as a councellor for adults and children with learning disabilities.

Two summers later after going back to the beautiful Pocono Moutains in Pensylveina USA and then travelling around America and Australia I am now settling for life back in Northumberland for the meantime to get to where I need and want to be. But along the way there is always challenges that get in the way and tend to stop us in our tracks I however I am not one to let something stop me from getting where I want to be. The key is hardwork and lots of laughter along the way.

Laughing is something I am known for.. I love to laugh at myself or at anyone in general if am honest. I have had many funny accidents over time... Most recently falling over during a Zumba class and giving myself soft tissue damage in my right wrist.. You can imagine myself surrounded by 30+ other ladies shaking my bottom away and all of a sudden im falling backwards reaching out for anyone...anyone to grab me and stop me from falling... I then landed on my right hand with all my womanly weight and my bum. Needless to say I was laughing none stop as was everyone else in the room... next day sat in A+E with my hand in a splint and sling. Who would of thought exercise could be bad for you?!

Now time to get down to the nitty gritty stuff... Clothes. Fashion. Make up. Baking. Travelling. Fitness and being with family and friends, thats what I'll be talking about hopefully in my blogs.
But I thought I'd give a brief outlook of who and what my life entails at the moment.